Description
George IV (1820-30), Proof Crown issued in 1821, laureate head left, B.P. for Benedetto Pistrucci below, toothed border surrounding both sides with a raised rim lip, legend surrounds GEORGIUS IIII DG BRITANNIAR REX FD. Rev, Saint George mounted on horseback slaying dragon right, date in exergue, B.P. to upper right of exergue, WWP on ground line below lance for William Wellesley Pole, edge inscription reads DECUS ET TUTAMEN. ANNO REGNI SECUNDO. (S.3805; Bull 2312; ESC 247: R; L&S 10).
A rare proof issue, quintessential mottled proof toning, reflective fields, all fully struck up with carefully prepared dies; lacking any soft spots on a problem free, seldom handled flan. Portrait, as expected on a proof type displaying all inner details, sequential striations in hair. Edge inscription in high relief and visible when the coin is held close to eye without the assistance of a loup. Reverse, more or less flawless with every conceivable detail showing, St George’s profile, the horse and dragon all equally as fetching. Much as struck, rare in any condition, if a coin could embody the Regency style period, it would be this single issue.
